It is now Friday night, and the second of July has now passed. My brain and body feel exhausted and confused, not knowing whether they’ve lived through two days or one reeeeeeeeeeeeally long day!

Thanks to Michael, I had a significant amount of time to spend with the little Croatian translator book. Since I first saw the book, I decided I wanted to learn a significant amount of Croatian speak.

Upon my first day in Zagreb I have realized that the people are very nice and welcoming, particularly if they realize you’re making the effort to speak their tongue. Despite their welcoming nature, when I actually hear Croatian it’s so intimidating that everything I have attempted to learn goes out the window! This will certainly be something I intend to work on while I’m here.

I strongly enjoyed the live performances put on throughout the town square by regular civilians, just trying to make some extra cash. Hearing singing over a harmonious accordion completed the entire experience: eyes, nose and now ears engaged. More than anything, I adore the architecture here because it holds such a strong sense of permanency.

I am ready and willing to accept any opportunity this country has in store for me, so bring on tomorrow.

Laura Adarve was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where she lived until age nine. She is pursuing her undergraduate degree in Sociology and a minor in Women’s Studies. Her research interests include women and gender studies, juvenile delinquency, economic stratification and systems of education. Her current research project involves solidifying the assumed correlation between an immigrant’s age at arrival to the host country and their achieved levels of assimilation. Her ultimate goal is to conduct research and teach at a university level.